MAGNETIC ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS WITH ROTATIONAL ALIGNMENT COMPONENT FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component and a secondary annular magnetic alignment component. The primary alignment component can include an inner annular region having a first magnetic orientation, an outer annular region having a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation, and a non-magnetized central annular region disposed between the primary inner annular region and the primary outer annular region. The secondary alignment component can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/907,332, filed Sep. 27, 2019, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/061,752, filed Aug. 5, 2020. The disclosures of both provisional applications are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
The following five U.S. patent applications, filed on the same day as this application, also claim the benefit of the above-referenced provisional applications: U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 090911-P51420US1-1207279), titled “Magnetic Alignment Systems for Electronic Devices”; U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 090911-P42863US1-1159555), titled “Magnetic Alignment Systems with NFC for Electronic Devices”; U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 090911-P42863US2-1207205), titled “Magnetic Alignment Systems with Proximity Detection for Electronic Devices”; U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 090911-P42863US3-1207206), titled “Wireless Charging Modules with Magnetic Alignment Components”; and U.S. application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 090911-P42863US4-1207207), titled “Accessory Insert Modules with Magnetic Alignment Components.”
BACKGROUNDThe present disclosure relates generally to consumer electronic devices and more particularly to magnetic alignment components and systems that facilitate establishing and maintaining a desired alignment between two (or more) devices, e.g., for purposes of enabling efficient wireless power transfer between the devices.
Portable electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, media players, electronic watches, and the like) operate when there is charge stored in their batteries. Some portable electronic devices include a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by coupling the portable electronic device to a power source through a physical connection, such as through a charging cord. Using a charging cord to charge a battery in a portable electronic device, however, requires the portable electronic device to be physically tethered to a power outlet. Additionally, using a charging cord requires the mobile device to have a connector, typically a receptacle connector, configured to mate with a connector, typically a plug connector, of the charging cord. The receptacle connector includes a cavity in the portable electronic device that provides an avenue via which dust and moisture can intrude and damage the device. Further, a user of the portable electronic device has to physically connect the charging cable to the receptacle connector in order to charge the battery.
To avoid such shortcomings, wireless charging technologies have been developed that exploit electromagnetic induction to charge portable electronic devices without the need for a charging cord. For example, some portable electronic devices can be recharged by merely resting the device on a charging surface of a wireless charger device. A transmitter coil disposed below the charging surface is driven with an alternating current that produces a time-varying magnetic flux that induces a current in a corresponding receiver coil in the portable electronic device. The induced current can be used by the portable electronic device to charge its internal battery. Some portable electronic devices have been designed to not only receive power wirelessly but also to transmit power wirelessly to other portable electronic devices, such as accessory devices.
SUMMARYAmong other factors, the efficiency of wireless power transfer depends on the alignment between the transmitter and receiver coils. For instance, a transmitter coil and receiver coil may perform best when they are aligned coaxially. Where a portable electronic device has a flat surface with no guiding features, finding the proper alignment can be difficult. Often, alignment is achieved by trial and error, with the user shifting the relative positions of the device and charger and observing the effect on charging performance. Establishing optimal alignment in this manner can be time-consuming. Further, the absence of surface features can make it difficult to maintain optimal alignment. For example, if the portable electronic device and/or charger are jostled during charging, they may be shifted out of alignment. For these and other reasons, improved techniques for establishing and maintaining alignment between electronic devices would be desirable.
According to embodiments described herein, a portable electronic device and an accessory device can include complementary magnetic alignment components that facilitate alignment of the accessory device with the portable electronic device and/or attachment of the accessory device to the portable electronic device. The magnetic alignment components can include annular magnetic alignment components that, in some embodiments, can surround inductive charging transmitter and receiver coils. In the nomenclature used herein, a “primary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a wireless charger device or other terminal accessory. A “secondary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a portable electronic device. An “auxiliary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a charge-through accessory.
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a rotational magnetic alignment component that facilitates aligning two devices in a preferred rotational orientation. A rotational magnetic alignment component can include, for example, one or more magnets disposed outboard of an annular alignment component. It should be understood that any device that has an annular alignment component might or might not also have a rotational alignment component, and rotational alignment components may be categorized as primary, secondary, or auxiliary depending on the type of device.
In some embodiments, magnetic alignment components can be fixed in position within a device housing. Alternatively, any or all of the magnetic alignment components in a device (including annular and/or rotational alignment components) can be made movable in the axial and/or lateral direction. A movable magnetic alignment component can allow the magnets to be moved (e.g., axially) into closer proximity to increase magnetic forces holding the devices in alignment or moved away from each other to reduce the magnetic forces holding the devices in alignment.
The following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, will provide a better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention.
Described herein are various embodiments of magnetic alignment systems and components thereof. A magnetic alignment system can include annular alignment components, where each annular alignment component can comprise a ring of magnets (or a single annular magnet) having a particular magnetic orientation or pattern of magnetic orientations such that a “primary” annular alignment component can attract and hold a complementary “secondary” annular alignment component. Magnetic alignment components can be incorporated into a variety of devices, and a magnetic alignment component in one device can attract another device having a complementary magnetic alignment component into a desired alignment and/or hold the other device in a desired alignment. (Devices aligned by a magnetic alignment system may be said to be “attached” to each other.)
For purposes of the present description, a number of different categories of devices can be distinguished. As used herein, a “portable electronic device” refers generally to any electronic device that is portable and that consumes power and provides at least some interaction with the user. Examples of portable electronic devices include: smart phones and other mobile phones; tablet computers; laptop computers; wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, headphones, earbuds); and any other electronic device that a user may carry or wear. Other portable electronic devices can include robotic devices, remote-controlled devices, personal-care appliances, and so on.
An “accessory device” (or “accessory”) refers generally to a device that is useful in connection with a portable electronic device to enhance the functionality and/or esthetics of the portable electronic device. Many categories of accessories may incorporate magnetic alignment. For example, one category of accessories includes wireless charger accessories. As used herein, a “wireless charger accessory” (or “wireless charger device” or just “wireless charger”) is an accessory that can provide power to a portable electronic device using wireless power transfer techniques. A “battery pack” (or “external battery”) is a type of wireless charger accessory that incorporates a battery to store charge that can be transferred to the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a battery pack may also receive power wirelessly from another wireless charger accessory. Wireless charger accessories may also be referred to as “active” accessories, in reference to their ability to provide and/or receive power. Other accessories are “passive accessories” that do not provide or receive power. For example, some passive accessories are “cases” that can cover one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device to provide protection (e.g., against damage caused by impact of the portable electronic device with other objects), esthetic enhancements (e.g., decorative colors or the like), and/or functional enhancements (e.g., cases that incorporate storage pockets, batteries, card readers, or sensors of various types). Cases can have a variety of form factors. For example, a “tray” can refer to a case that has a rear panel covering the back surface of the portable electronic device and side surfaces to secure the portable electronic device in the tray while leaving the front surface (which may include a display) exposed. A “sleeve” can refer to a case that has front and back panels with an open end (or “throat”) into which a portable electronic device can be inserted so that the front and back surfaces of the device are covered; in some instances, the front panel of a sleeve can include a window through which a portion (or all) of a display of the portable electronic device is visible. A “folio” can refer to a case that has a retention portion that covers at least the back surface (and sometimes also one or more side surfaces) of the portable electronic device and a cover that can be closed to cover the display or opened to expose the display. It should be understood that not all cases are passive accessories. For example, a “battery case” can incorporate a battery pack in addition to protective and/or esthetic features; a battery case can be shaped generally as a tray, sleeve, or folio. Other examples of active cases can include cases that incorporate card readers, sensors, batteries, or other electronic components that enhance functionality of a portable electronic device.
In the present description, a distinction is sometimes made between a “charge-through accessory,” which is an accessory that can be positioned between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device without interfering with wireless power transfer between the wireless charger device and the portable electronic device, and a “terminal accessory,” which is an accessory that is not a charge-through accessory. A wireless charging accessory is typically a terminal accessory, but not all terminal accessories provide wireless charging of a portable electronic device. For example some terminal accessories can be “mounting” accessories that are designed to hold the portable electronic device in a particular position. Examples of mounting include tripods, docking stations, other stands, or mounts that can hold a portable electronic device in a desired position and/or orientation (which might or might not be adjustable). Such accessories might or might not incorporate wireless charging capability.
According to embodiments described herein, a portable electronic device and an accessory device can include complementary magnetic alignment components that facilitate alignment of the accessory device with the portable electronic device and/or attachment of the accessory device to the portable electronic device. The magnetic alignment components can include annular magnetic alignment components that, in some embodiments, can surround inductive charging transmitter and receiver coils. (It will be apparent that an annular magnetic alignment component can also be used in a device that does not have an inductive charging coil.) In the nomenclature used herein, a “primary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a wireless charger device or other terminal accessory. A “secondary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a portable electronic device. An “auxiliary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a charge-through accessory. (In this disclosure, adjectives such as “annular,” “magnetic,” “primary,” “secondary” and “auxiliary” may be omitted when the context is clear.) The primary and secondary annular alignment components have magnetic orientations that are complementary, such that the primary and secondary annular alignment components can attract each other and attach devices containing these components in a desired alignment. For example, a primary annular alignment component can have a “quad-pole” magnetic configuration, with an inner annular region having a magnetic polarity in a first axial direction, an outer annular region having a magnetic polarity in a second axial direction opposite the first direction, and a central non-magnetized region between the inner annular region and the outer annular region. A secondary annular alignment component can have a radial magnetic configuration (e.g., with north pole oriented radially inward or radially outward, either exactly or approximately; examples are described below). When aligned, the primary and secondary annular alignment components can form a closed magnetic loop such that the DC magnetic flux is largely contained within the magnets. Alternatively, a secondary annular alignment component can also have a quad-pole magnetic configuration matching that of the primary annular alignment component. An auxiliary annular alignment component can operate as a “repeater” and can have a quad-pole configuration matching that of the primary annular alignment component.
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a rotational magnetic alignment component that facilitates aligning two devices in a preferred rotational orientation. A rotational magnetic alignment component can include, for example, one or more magnets disposed outboard of an annular alignment component. The magnet(s) of a rotational alignment component can have complementary orientations, such the rotational alignment components in two devices can attract each other and attach the two devices containing these components in a desired rotational orientation. For example, a rotational alignment component can have a quad-pole configuration with a first magnetized region (e.g., extending along one side of a rectangular magnet) having a magnetic polarity in a first axial direction, a second magnetized region (e.g., extending along the opposite side of the rectangular magnet) having a magnetic polarity in a second axial direction opposite the first direction, and a central non-magnetized region. As another example, a rotational alignment component can have a triple-pole configuration with a first magnetized region (e.g., extending along one side of a rectangular magnet) having a magnetic polarity in a first axial direction, a second magnetized region (e.g., extending along the opposite side of the rectangular magnet) also having a magnetic polarity the first axial direction, a central magnetized region having a magnetic polarity in a second axial direction opposite the first direction, and non-magnetized regions between the central magnetized region and each of the first and second magnetized regions. Other magnetic configurations can be substituted. It should be understood that any device that has an annular magnetic alignment component might or might not also have a rotational magnetic alignment component, and rotational alignment components may be categorized as primary, secondary, or auxiliary, e.g., depending on the type of device.
In some embodiments, magnetic alignment components can be fixed in position within a device housing. Alternatively, any or all of the magnetic alignment components in a device (including annular and/or rotational alignment components) can be made movable in the axial and/or lateral direction. A movable magnetic alignment component can allow the magnets to be moved (e.g., axially) into closer proximity to increase magnetic forces holding the devices in alignment or moved away from each other to reduce the magnetic forces holding the devices in alignment.
Accordingly, while the following description focuses on specific examples incorporating various combinations of components, it should be understood that any device can have has an annular magnetic alignment component, which can be, for example, any of the primary, secondary, or auxiliary annular magnetic alignment components described herein. Further, any device that has an annular magnetic alignment component can also have a rotational magnetic alignment component, which can be, for example, any of the rotational magnetic alignment components described herein.
1. Primary and Secondary Annular Magnetic Alignment Components1.1. Overview of Magnetic Alignment Systems
To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device 104 and wireless charger device 102 can include inductive coils 110 and 112, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil 112 can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux 114, and inductive coil 110 can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux 114. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device 104, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device 104, and/or for other purposes as desired. (“Wireless power transfer” and “inductive power transfer,” as used herein, refer generally to the process of generating a time-varying magnetic field in a conductive coil of a first device that induces an electric current in a conductive coil of a second device.)
To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils 112 and 110. According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system 106 can provide such alignment. In the example shown in
According to embodiments described herein, a magnetic alignment component (including a primary or secondary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary and secondary magnetic alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from (e.g., opposite to) the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.
1.2. Magnetic Alignment Systems with a Single Axial Magnetic Orientation
As shown in
Primary alignment component 216 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets 226, and secondary alignment component 218 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets 228. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 226 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 228, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 226 and secondary magnets 228 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 226 (or secondary magnets 228) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 226 (or secondary magnets 228) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 226 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 230, and secondary magnets 228 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 232. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 226 or secondary magnets 228, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 216 can also include an annular shield 214 (also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 226. In some embodiments, shield 214 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 226 to secure primary magnets 226 into position. Shield 214 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 216, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 216 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 226 and secondary magnets 228 (and all other magnets described herein) can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnets can be plated with a thin layer (e.g., 7-13 μm) of NiCuNi or similar materials. Each primary magnet 226 and each secondary magnet 228 can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators 215, 217 in
As shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 200 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 216 and secondary alignment component 218 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component 216 and/or secondary alignment component 218 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting magnetic alignment components 216 and 218 into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because (for some types of magnetic material) smaller arcuate segments may be less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing.
1.3. Magnetic Alignment Systems with Closed-Loop Configurations
As noted above with reference to
As shown in
Primary alignment component 316 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets 326, and secondary alignment component 318 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets 328. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 326 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 328, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required; for example, as described below a sector may include multiple magnets. Primary magnets 326 and secondary magnets 328 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 326 (or secondary magnets 328) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 326 (or secondary magnets 328) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 326 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 330, and secondary magnets 328 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 332. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 326 or secondary magnets 328, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 316 can also include an annular shield 314 (also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 326. In some embodiments, shield 314 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 326 to secure primary magnets 326 into position. Shield 314 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability and/or high magnetic saturation value, such as stainless steel or low-carbon steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 316, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 316 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 326 and secondary magnets 328 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet 328 can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator 317 in
In some embodiments, each secondary magnet 328 can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer. Similarly, each primary magnet 326 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet 326 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 352 and outer arcuate magnetic region 354; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 356 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 352 and outer arcuate magnetic region 354. DC shield 314 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability and/or high magnetic saturation value, such as stainless steel or low-carbon steel, and can be plated, e.g., with 5-10 μm of matte Ni. Alternatively, DC shield 314 can be formed of a magnetic material having a radial magnetic orientation (in the opposite direction of secondary magnets 328). In some embodiments, DC shield 314 can be omitted entirely.
As shown in
While each primary magnet 326 includes two regions of opposite magnetic orientation, it should be understood that the two regions can but need not provide equal magnetic field strength. For example, outer arcuate magnetized region 354 can be more strongly polarized than inner arcuate magnetized region 352. Depending on the particular implementation of primary magnets 326, various techniques can be used to create asymmetric polarization strength. For example, inner arcuate region 352 and outer arcuate region 354 can have different radial widths; increasing radial width of a magnetic region increases the field strength of that region due to increased volume of magnetic material. Where inner arcuate region 352 and outer arcuate region 354 are discrete magnets, magnets having different magnetic strength can be used.
In some embodiments, having an asymmetric polarization where outer arcuate region 354 is more strongly polarized than inner arcuate region 352 can create a flux “sinking” effect toward the outer pole. This effect can be desirable in various situations. For example, when primary magnet 326 is disposed within a wireless charger device and the wireless charger device is used to charge a “legacy” portable electronic device that has an inductive receiver coil but does not have a secondary (or any) annular magnetic alignment component, the (DC) magnetic flux from the primary annular alignment component may enter a ferrite shield around the inductive receiver coil. The DC magnetic flux can contribute to saturating the ferrite shield and reducing charging performance. Providing a primary annular alignment component with a stronger field at the outer arcuate region than the inner arcuate region can help to draw DC magnetic flux away from the ferrite shield, which can improve charging performance when a wireless charger device having an annular magnetic alignment component is used to charge a portable electronic device that lacks an annular magnetic alignment component.
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 300 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 316 and secondary alignment component 318 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as 16 magnets, 18 magnets, 32 magnets, 36 magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component 318 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component 316 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component 316 can be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. In some embodiments, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various magnetic alignment components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.
1.4. Magnetic Orientation for a Closed-Loop Magnetic Alignment System
1.4.1. Radially Symmetric Orientation
As noted above, in embodiments of magnetic alignment systems having closed-loop magnetic orientations, such as magnetic alignment system 300, secondary alignment component 318 can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. For example, in some embodiments, secondary alignment component 318 can have a magnetic polarity in a radial orientation.
When primary alignment component 516 and secondary alignment component 518 are aligned, the radially symmetrical arrangement and directional equivalence of magnetic polarities of primary alignment component 516 and secondary alignment component 518 allow secondary alignment component 518 to rotate freely (relative to primary alignment component 516) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the lateral plane while maintaining alignment along the axis.
As used herein, a “radial” orientation need not be exactly or purely radial. For example,
In some embodiments, a radial magnetic orientation in a secondary alignment component 518 (e.g., as shown in
Similarly,
As shown in
As shown in
Depending on the particular configuration of magnets, various design choices can be used to increase the sensation of snappiness for a closed-loop magnetic alignment system. For example, reducing the amount of magnetic material in the devices in areas near the magnetic alignment components—e.g., by using less material or by increasing the distance between the magnetic alignment component and the other magnetic material—can reduce stray fields and increase the perceived “snapping” effect of the magnetic alignment components. As another example, increasing the magnetic-field strength of the alignment magnets (e.g., by increasing the amount of material) can increase both shear and normal forces. As yet another example, the widths of the magnetized regions in the primary annular alignment component (and/or the relative strength of the magnetic field in each region) can be optimized based on the particular magnetic orientation pattern for the secondary annular alignment component (e.g., whether the secondary annular alignment components have the purely radial magnetic orientation of
A radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magnetic alignment system 500 of
1.4.2. Alternating Radial Orientation
In some embodiments, a closed-loop magnetic alignment system can be designed to provide one or more preferred rotational orientations.
A complementary primary alignment component can have sectors with correspondingly alternating magnetic orientations. For example,
As shown in
An alternating arrangement of magnetic polarities as shown in
In the examples shown in
1.4.3. Other Magnetic Orientations
In other embodiments, a variety of force profiles can be created by changing the magnetic orientations of different sectors within the primary and/or secondary alignment components. As just one example,
In the second half 1005, sectors 1028a-d have magnetic polarities oriented substantially parallel to bisector line 1001 rather than radially. In particular, sectors 1028a and 1028b have magnetic polarities oriented in a first direction parallel to bisector line 1001, while sectors 1028c and 1028d have magnetic polarities oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic polarities of sectors 1028a and 1028b. A complementary primary alignment component can have an inner annular region with magnetic north pole oriented toward secondary alignment component 1018, an outer annular region with magnetic north pole oriented away from secondary alignment component 1018, and a central non-magnetized region, providing a closed-loop magnetic orientation as described above. The asymmetric arrangement of magnetic orientations in secondary alignment component 1018 can modify the shear force profile such that secondary alignment component 1018 generates less shear force resisting motion in the direction toward second half 1005 (upward in the drawing) than in the direction toward first half 1003 (downward in the drawing). In some embodiments, an asymmetrical arrangement of this kind can be used where the primary alignment component is mounted in a docking station and the secondary alignment component is mounted in a portable electronic device that docks with the docking station. Assuming secondary annular alignment component 1018 is oriented in the portable electronic device such that half-annulus 1005 is toward the top of the portable electronic device, the asymmetric shear force can facilitate an action of sliding the portable electronic device downward to dock with the docking station or upward to remove it from the docking station, while still providing an attractive force to draw the portable electronic device into a desired alignment with the docking station.
In the embodiments described above, the secondary annular magnetic alignment component has a magnetic orientation that is generally aligned in the transverse plane. In some alternative embodiments, a secondary annular magnetic alignment component can instead have a quad-pole configuration similar to that of primary annular magnetic alignment component 316 of
It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples are illustrative and not limiting. Sectors of a primary and/or secondary alignment component can include magnetic elements with the magnetic polarity oriented in any desired direction and in any combination, provided that the primary and secondary alignment components of a given magnetic alignment system have complementary magnetic orientations that exert forces toward the desired position of alignment. Different combinations of magnetic orientations may create different shear force profiles, and the selection of magnetic orientations may be made based on a desired shear force profile (e.g., high snappiness), avoidance of DC flux leakage into other components, and other design considerations.
1.5. Annular Magnetic Alignment Components with Gaps
In examples described above, the primary alignment component and secondary alignment component have annular shapes. As described above (e.g., with reference to
In some embodiments, a gap such as gap 1101 may provide a convenient path for electrical connections to components located in interior region 1103 inboard of alignment component 1118. For example, as described above, an inductive coil (or other electronic component) may be disposed in interior region 1103, and gap 1101 in alignment component 1118 may provide a convenient path for electrical connections between the inductive coil (or other component) and a battery (or other components) located outboard of alignment component 1118. It should be understood that electrical connections can also be made by routing connection paths over or under magnets 1128 (into or out of the plane of
It should be understood that a gap such as gap 1101 can be included in a primary alignment component, a secondary alignment component, or both. In some embodiments where gaps are provided in both the primary alignment component and the secondary alignment component, the presence of the gaps may alter the shear force profile in a manner that creates a preferred rotational orientation. The extent to which a preferred orientation arises may depend on the size of the gaps and the particular configuration of magnets.
1.6. Portable Electronic Devices Incorporating Magnetic Alignment Components
For optimal wireless charging performance, it is desirable to align coil 1210 with a coil in the transmitting (or receiving) device. Annular magnetic alignment component 1218 can be, for example, an implementation of any of the secondary magnetic alignment components described above and can include an annular arrangement of magnets 1228 with interfaces 1232, which can be air gaps or surfaces where adjacent magnets contact one another. The magnetic polarities of magnets 1228 can be oriented in varying directions in the lateral plane, e.g., in a radial direction as described above with reference to
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment component such as component 1218 can be modified to fit portable electronic devices of different sizes while preserving a constant outer diameter and radial width of the annulus. By way of example,
To provide alignment of coil 1210′ with a coil in another device, smart phone 1200′ can include a magnetic alignment component 1218′. Magnetic alignment component 1218′ can be for example, an implementation of any of the secondary magnetic alignment components described above and can include an annular arrangement of arcuate magnets 1228′ with interfaces 1232′, which can be air gaps or surfaces where adjacent magnets 1228′ contact one another. The magnetic polarities of magnets 1228′ can be oriented in varying directions in the lateral plane, e.g., in a radial direction as described above.
In the example shown, to accommodate the narrower width of smart phone 1200′ magnetic alignment component 1218′ includes diametrically opposed gaps 1201a, 1201b. In addition to decreasing the width (in the x direction) of magnetic alignment component 1218′, gaps 1201a and/or 1201b can also provide electrical connection paths for wires (or conductive traces) to connect between coil 1210′ and components outboard of magnetic alignment component 1218′. In some embodiments, the arcuate magnet sections 1228′ adjacent to gaps 1201a, 1201b can have beveled corners 1229a-b and 1231a-b, which can further reduce the width of alignment component 1218′ without reducing the outer diameter.
It should be understood that smart phones 1200 and 1200′ are just examples, and a variety of portable electronic devices having a range of different form factors can accommodate an annular alignment component of a given diameter and width. Further, while
1.7. Wireless Charger Devices Incorporating Magnetic Alignment Components
Wireless charger device 1300 can support inductive power transfer for charging a portable electronic device (such as smart phone 1200 of
Components of wireless charger device 1300 can be enclosed in housing 1302, which can be made of aluminum, plastic, ceramic, or other durable material. Housing 1302 is shown as puck-shaped; however, other shapes can also be used. For instance, housing 1302 can be rectangular, elliptical, or any other shape that provides a charging surface. In some embodiments, housing 1302 can be a two-piece housing that includes an enclosure for the distal and side surfaces of wireless charger device 1300 and a top cap covering the proximal surface of transmitter coil assembly 1312. The top cap (not shown in
For optimal wireless charging performance, it is desirable to align the transmitter coil of coil assembly 1312 with a corresponding coil in a receiving device such as smart phone 1200. Magnetic alignment component 1316 can be, for example, an implementation of any of the primary magnetic alignment components described above and can include an annular arrangement of magnets 1326 with interfaces 1330 between adjacent magnets 1326, which can be air gaps or surfaces where adjacent magnets 1326 contact one another. Magnets 1326 can provide a closed loop configuration as described above; for instance, each magnet 1326 can include an inner arcuate region having an axial magnetic orientation in a first direction, an outer arcuate region having an axial magnetic orientation in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a central arcuate region having no distinct magnetic orientation. In the example shown, magnetic alignment component 1316 includes a gap 1301, which can provide electrical connection paths for wires (or conductive traces) to connect between coil assembly 1312 and cable 1304 without adding to the axial thickness of wireless charger device 1300. Coil assembly 1312 can be optimized to support wireless power transfer between devices.
In various embodiments, primary magnetic alignment component 1316 can be used to facilitate alignment between wireless charger device 1300 and a variety of different portable electronic devices having different form factors (e.g., including portable electronic device 1200 and portable electronic device 1200′). As long as the portable electronic device being aligned with primary magnetic alignment component 1316 includes a complementary secondary alignment component having an annular shape matching primary alignment component 1316 and a magnetic field orientation complementary to primary alignment component 1316, primary alignment component 1316 can facilitate alignment of wireless charger device 1300 with the portable electronic device, regardless of any other dimensions of either device. It should also be understood that some embodiments of wireless charger device 1300 can be used to charge a portable electronic device that does not have a magnetic alignment component; however, in such instances, primary alignment component 1316 might not facilitate optimal alignment with the portable electronic device, and the user would need to align the devices using other techniques (e.g., manual adjustment based on charging performance or placing the devices in a cradle that holds the devices such that their respective charging coils are in alignment).
1.8. Wireless Charging Systems with Magnetic Alignment
Wireless charger device 1300 has a housing 1302 that includes a single-piece enclosure 1406 forming distal and side surfaces of housing 1302 and a top cap 1408 forming a proximal surface of housing 1302. As described above, enclosure 1406 and top cap 1408 can be made of the same material or different materials, and top cap 1408 can be made of a material that is permeable to AC electromagnetic fields and to DC magnetic fields. Transmitter coil assembly 1312 can include an inductive transmitter coil 1416 (which can be made, e.g., of stranded wire wound into a coil) and electromagnetic shielding 1415 (which can include, e.g., a ferrimagnetic shield). Primary magnet 1426 forms a portion of primary magnetic alignment component 1316 and can include an inner arcuate region 1452 having a magnetic field oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region 1454 having a magnetic field oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a non-magnetized central arcuate region 1456. As described above, a DC shield 1414 can be disposed on the distal surface of primary magnet 1426. It should be understood that, although alignment component 1316 is shown in
When aligned, primary magnet 1426 and secondary magnet 1428 produce a closed-loop magnetic flux as shown by lines 1440. Magnetic flux 1440 can attract primary annular alignment component 1318 and secondary annular alignment component 1216 into alignment such that the respective centers of primary annular alignment component 1318 and secondary annular alignment component 1216 are aligned along a common axis. Since transmitter coil 1416 is fixed in a position concentric with primary alignment component 1316 and receiver coil 1410 is fixed in position concentric with secondary alignment component 1218, a result of aligning primary annular alignment component 1318 and secondary annular alignment component 1216 along a common axis is that transmitter coil 1416 and receiver coil 1410 are also aligned along a common axis, thereby enabling efficient wireless power transfer. For instance, transmitter coil 1416 can be driven with an alternating current to generate time-varying magnetic fields that induce a time-varying current in receiver coil 1416. Electromagnetic shielding (e.g., shielding 1415 and 1412) can confine the AC fields to the immediate vicinity of coils 1416 and 1410.
In particular, some embodiments provide a gap region 1411 between secondary magnet 1428 and receiver coil assembly 1210 that may experience low DC magnetic flux and may also experience low AC electromagnetic fields due to electromagnetic shielding 1412 around coil 1410. Similarly, some embodiments provide a gap region 1413 between primary magnet 1426 and transmitter coil assembly 1312 that may experience low DC magnetic flux and may also experience low AC electromagnetic fields due to electromagnetic shielding 1418 around transmitter coil 1416. It is noted that a similar gap region may be created when using a z-pole magnetic alignment system of the kind shown in
As can be appreciated with reference to
Computing system 1541 can also be coupled to a user interface system 1543, a communication system 1544, and a sensor system 1545 for enabling portable electronic device 1504 to perform one or more functions. For instance, user interface system 1543 can include a display, speaker, microphone, actuator for enabling haptic feedback, and one or more input devices such as a button, switch, capacitive screen for enabling the display to be touch sensitive, and the like. Communication system 1544 can include wireless telecommunication components, near-field communication (NFC) components, Bluetooth components, and/or Wi-Fi components for enabling portable electronic device 1504 to make phone calls, interact with wireless accessories, and access the Internet. Sensor system 1545 can include light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, magnetometers, and/or any other type of sensor that can measure a parameter of an external entity and/or environment.
All of these electrical components require a power source to operate. Accordingly, portable electronic device 1504 also includes a battery 1546 that can discharge stored energy to power the electrical components of portable electronic device 1504. To replenish the energy discharged to power the electrical components, portable electronic device 1504 includes charging circuitry 1547 and an inductive coil 1510 that can receive power from wireless charger device 1502 coupled to an external power source 1522.
Wireless charger device 1502 can include a transmitter coil 1512 for generating time-varying magnetic flux capable of inducing an electrical current in coil 1510 of portable electronic device 1504. The induced current can be used by charging circuitry 1547 to charge battery 1546. Wireless charger device 1502 can further include a computing system 1521 coupled to a communication system 1522 and wireless charging circuitry 1523. Wireless charging circuitry can include circuit components to convert standard AC power having a first set of voltage and frequency characteristics (e.g., standard AC wall power) to AC power suitable for operating coil 1510. Suitable circuit components, including rectifiers (AC-to-DC converters), boost circuits (DC-to-DC voltage boosting circuits), inverters (DC-to-AC converters), and the like, are known in the art. Computing system 1521 can include logic circuitry (such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, FPGA, or the like) configured to control the operation of wireless charger device 1502, such as to control wireless charging circuitry 1523 to use power received from external power source 1522 to generate time-varying magnetic flux to induce current in coil 1510 to charge portable electronic device 1504. In some embodiments, computing system 1521 can implement functionality confirming to the Qi standard for wireless charging (promulgated by the Wireless Power Consortium).
In some embodiments, components implementing computing system 1521 and wireless charging circuitry 1523 can be disposed within the housing that holds coil 1512 and primary alignment component 1516 (e.g., within puck-shaped housing 1302 of
While system 1500 is described with reference to particular blocks, it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. The blocks need not correspond to physically distinct components, and the same physical components can be used to implement aspects of multiple blocks. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Embodiments of the present invention can be realized in a variety of apparatus including electronic devices that use using any combination of circuitry and software to enable wireless charging operations and/or other operations where physical alignment between devices is desired.
2. Rotational Alignment ComponentsIn various embodiments described above, a magnetic alignment system can provide robust alignment in a lateral plane and may or may not provide rotational alignment. For example, radially symmetric magnetic alignment system 500 of
As described above, components of a magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular alignment component 1616 disposed in accessory 1602 and a secondary annular alignment component 1618 disposed in portable electronic device 1604. Primary annular alignment component 1616 can be similar or identical to any of the primary alignment components described above. For example, primary annular alignment component 1616 can be formed of arcuate magnets 1626 arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown in
Likewise, secondary annular alignment component 1618 can be similar or identical to any of the secondary alignment components described above. For example, secondary annular alignment component 1618 can be formed of arcuate magnets 1628 arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown in
As described above, primary annular alignment component 1616 and secondary annular alignment component 1618 can provide shear forces that promote alignment in the lateral plane so that center point 1601 of primary annular alignment component 1616 aligns with center point 1603 of secondary annular alignment component 1618. However, primary annular alignment component 1616 and secondary annular alignment component 1618 might not provide torque forces that favor any particular rotational orientation, such as portrait orientation.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can incorporate one or more rotational alignment components in addition to the annular alignment components. The rotational alignment components can include one or more magnets that provide torque about the common axis of the (aligned) annular alignment components, so that a preferred rotational orientation can be reliably established. For example, as shown in
According to some embodiments, each of primary rotational alignment component 1622 and secondary rotational alignment component 1624 can be implemented using one or more magnets (e.g., rare earth magnets such as NdFeB) each of which has each been magnetized such that its magnetic polarity is oriented in a desired direction. In the example of
Rotational alignment components 1622 and 1624 can have various patterns of magnetic orientations. As long as the magnetic orientations of rotational alignment components 1622 and 1624 are complementary to each other, a torque toward the target rotational orientation can be present when the devices are brought into lateral alignment and close to the target rotational orientation.
Other configurations can provide reliable alignment as well as a stronger, or more salient, “clocking” sensation for the user. A “clocking sensation,” in this context, refers to a user-perceptible torque about the common axis of the annular alignment components that urges toward the target rotational alignment and/or resists small displacements from the target rotational alignment. A greater variation of torque as a function of rotational angle can provide a more salient clocking sensation. Following are examples of magnetization configurations for a rotational alignment component that can provide more salient clocking sensations than the z-pole configuration of
It should be understood that the examples in
In some embodiments, the selection of a magnetization pattern for a rotational alignment component can be based on optimizing the torque profile. For example, as noted above, it may be desirable to provide a salient clocking sensation to a user when close to the desired rotational alignment. The clocking sensation can be a result of torque about a rotational axis defined by the annular alignment components. The amount of torque depends on various factors, including the distance between the axis and the rotational alignment component (distance y0 in
In the example shown in
It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples of rotational alignment components are illustrative and that variations or modifications are possible. In some embodiments, a rotational alignment component can be provided as an optional adjunct to an annular alignment component, and a device that has both an annular alignment component and a rotational alignment component can align laterally to any other device that has a complementary annular alignment component, regardless of whether the other device has or does not have a rotational alignment component. Thus, for example, portable electronic device 1604 of
3.1. Overview of Three-Component Magnetic Alignment Systems
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can align more than two devices. Examples of magnetic alignment systems with three annular alignment components (referred to as primary, secondary, and auxiliary annular magnetic alignment components) will now be described. It should be understood that the primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described in this section can be identical to primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described above and that a given pair primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components can be used with or without an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component. It should also be understood that a system where alignment is desired may include more than three devices and that additional auxiliary annular alignment components can be provided to facilitate alignment of more than three devices.
To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device 2404 and wireless charger device 2402 can include inductive coils 2410 and 2412, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil 2412 can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux 2414, and inductive coil 2410 can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux 2414. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device 2404, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device 2404, and/or for other purposes as desired. In some embodiments, wireless power transfer between wireless charger device 2402 and portable electronic device 2404 can occur regardless of whether accessory 2420 is present.
Accessory 2420 can be an accessory that is used with portable electronic device 2404 to protect, enhance, and/or supplement the aesthetics and/or functions of portable electronic device 2404. For example, accessory 2420 can be a protective case, an external battery pack, a camera attachment, or any other charge-through accessory. In some embodiments, accessory 2420 can include one or more wireless charging coils 2438. For example, accessory 2420 can be a portable external battery pack that can be attached to and carried together with portable electronic device 2404. In some embodiments, accessory 2420 can operate wireless charging coil 2438 as a receiver coil to charge its onboard battery (e.g., from wireless charger device 2402) or as a transmitter coil to provide power to portable electronic device 2404. In some embodiments, accessory 2420 cam include separate transmitter and receiver coils 2438. Accessory 2420 can operate coil(s) 2438 to transmit power or to receive and store power depending on current conditions. In still other embodiments, accessory 2420 can be an “unpowered” or “passive” accessory such as a case that contains no active circuitry, and wireless charging coil 2438 can be omitted. In such cases, accessory 2420 can be designed not to inhibit wireless power transfer between wireless charger device 2402 and portable electronic device 2404. For instance, relevant portions of accessory 2420 can be made of a material such as plastic, leather, or other material that is transparent to time-varying magnetic flux 2414.
To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils 2412 and 2410 (and coil 2438 in embodiments where coil 2438 is present). According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system 2406 can provide such alignment. In the example shown in
Magnetic alignment system 2406 can enable modularity in that various types of accessories 2420 can align with primary and/or secondary magnetic alignment components 2416, 2418, provided that accessory 2420 includes auxiliary alignment component 2470. For instance, in some embodiments (e.g., where accessory 2420 is a protective case), accessory 2420 can mechanically couple to portable electronic device 2404 in a fixed position such that auxiliary magnetic alignment component 2420 is aligned with secondary magnetic alignment component 2418, and portable electronic device 2404 can rely wholly or partially on auxiliary magnetic alignment component 2470 to align with primary alignment component 2418 of wireless charger device 2402. Accordingly, when accessory 2420 is positioned on charging surface 2408 of wireless charger device 2402 such that primary alignment component 2416 is aligned with auxiliary alignment component 2470, secondary alignment component 2418 of portable electronic device 2404 is also aligned with primary alignment component 2470, and efficient wireless power transfer is supported.
As another example, in some embodiments where accessory 2420 is an external battery, auxiliary alignment component 2470 can attract to and align with secondary alignment component 2418 so that power from an internal power source (not shown) within accessory 2420 can be wirelessly transferred to portable electronic device 2404 using inductive coil 2438 and inductive coil 2410. The modularity of magnetic alignment system 2406 can also enable wireless charger device 2402 to stack with portable electronic device 2404 and accessory 2420. For example, auxiliary alignment component 2470 can attract and align to secondary alignment component 2418 and at the same time can attract and align to primary alignment component 2416. Accordingly, when portable electronic device 2404, accessory 2420, and wireless charger device 2402 are all stacked together, power can be transmitted wirelessly from wireless charger device 2402 to accessory 2420 (e.g., to charge an internal battery of accessory 2420) and from accessory 2420 to portable electronic device 2404. Both power transfers can be performed simultaneously; i.e., wireless charger device 2402 can provide power to accessory 2420 at the same time that accessory 2420 provides power to portable electronic device 2404. In some embodiments, to enable simultaneous power transfers, accessory 2420 can include two inductive coils 2438, one for receiving power and one for transmitting power. In other embodiments, the power transfers can be performed sequentially; e.g., wireless charger device 2402 can provide power to accessory 2402, and at a time when wireless charger device 2402 is not providing power, accessory 2402 can provide power to portable electronic device 2404.
According to embodiments described herein, an alignment component (including a primary, secondary, or auxiliary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary, secondary, and auxiliary alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.
3.2. Magnetic Alignment Systems with a Single Axial Magnetic Orientation
As shown in
Primary alignment component 2516 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets 2526. Secondary alignment component 2518 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets 2528. Auxiliary alignment component 2470 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more auxiliary arcuate magnets 2572. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 2526 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 2528 and to the number of auxiliary magnets 2570, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 2526, secondary magnets 2528, and auxiliary magnets 2572 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 2526 (or secondary magnets 2528 or auxiliary magnets 2572) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 2526 (or secondary magnets 2528 or auxiliary magnets 2572) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 2526 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2530, secondary magnets 2528 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2532, and auxiliary magnets 2572 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2574. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 2526 or adjacent secondary magnets 2528 or adjacent auxiliary magnets 2572, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 2516 can also include an annular shield 2514 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 2526. In some embodiments, shield 2514 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 2526 to secure primary magnets 2526 into position. Shield 2514 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability and/or high magnetic saturation value, such as stainless steel or low-carbon steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 2516, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 2516 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 2526, secondary magnets 2528, and auxiliary magnets 2572 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each primary magnet 2526, each secondary magnet 2528, and each auxiliary magnet 2572 can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators 2515, 2517, 2519 in
As shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 2500 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 2516, auxiliary alignment component 2570, and secondary alignment component 2518 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component 2516 and/or secondary alignment component 2518 and/or auxiliary alignment component 2570 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting alignment components 2516, 2518, and 2570 into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing, as described above with reference to
3.3. Magnetic Alignment Systems with Closed-Loop Magnetic Configurations
As noted above with reference to
As shown in
Primary alignment component 2616 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets 2626; secondary alignment component 2618 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets 2628; and auxiliary alignment component 2670 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of auxiliary magnets 2672. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 2626 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 2628 and to the number of auxiliary magnets 2672, and each sector includes one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 2626, secondary magnets 2628, and auxiliary magnets 2672 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 2626 (or secondary magnets 2628 or auxiliary magnets 2672) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 2626 (or secondary magnets 2628 or auxiliary magnets 2672) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, adjacent primary magnets 2626 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2630, adjacent secondary magnets 2628 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2632, and adjacent auxiliary magnets 2672 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 2680. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 2626, adjacent secondary magnets 2628, or adjacent auxiliary magnets 2672, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 2616 can also include an annular shield 2614 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 2626. In some embodiments, shield 2614 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 2626 to secure primary magnets 2626 into position. Shield 2614 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 2616, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 2616 from magnetic interference. In some embodiments, auxiliary alignment component 2670 does not include a similar shield, so that a stronger magnetic attraction with primary alignment component 2616 can be provided.
Primary magnets 2626, secondary magnets 2628, and auxiliary magnets 2672 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet 2628 can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator 2617 in
In some embodiments, each secondary magnet 2626 can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer. Similarly, each primary magnet 2626 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet 2626 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 2652 and outer arcuate magnetic region 2654; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 2656 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 2652 and outer arcuate magnetic region 2654. Any manufacturing technique that can be used to form primary magnets 2626 can also be used to form auxiliary magnets 2672. Thus, each auxiliary magnet 2672 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each auxiliary magnet 2672 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 2674 and outer arcuate magnetic region 2676; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 2678 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 2674 and outer arcuate magnetic region 2676. It should be understood that in some embodiments one manufacturing technique can be used for primary magnets 2626 while a different manufacturing technique can be used for auxiliary magnets 2672; for example, each auxiliary magnet 2672 can be monolithic while each primary magnet 2626 is a compound structure. As long as the magnetic fields of the various magnets align as described, alignment between devices can be provided. Further, as described above with reference to
As shown in
Accordingly, the respective magnetic orientations of inner arcuate magnetic regions 2652, 2674, secondary magnet 2628 and outer arcuate magnetic region 2676, 2678 can generate magnetic fields 2640 that exert an attractive force between primary magnet 2626 and auxiliary magnet 2672 and between auxiliary magnet 2672 and secondary magnet 2628, thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices in which primary alignment component 2616, auxiliary alignment component 2670, and secondary alignment component 2618 are disposed (e.g., as shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 2600 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 2616, auxiliary alignment component 2672, and secondary alignment component 2618 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component 2618 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component 2616 and/or auxiliary alignment component 2672 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component 2616 and/or auxiliary alignment component 2672 can each be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. However, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.
3.4. Magnetic Orientation for a Closed-Loop Magnetic Alignment System
Any of the magnetic orientations described above with reference to
3.5. Annular Magnetic Alignment Components with Gaps
In examples described above, the primary magnetic alignment component, secondary magnetic alignment component, and auxiliary magnetic alignment component have annular shapes. As described above (e.g., with reference to
3.6. Accessory Devices Incorporating Magnetic Alignment Components
Accessory device 2700 can be, for example, a protective or esthetic case for a portable electronic device such as smart phone 1200 of
Auxiliary alignment component 2770 can be, for example, an implementation of any of the auxiliary alignment components described above and can include an annular arrangement of magnets 2772 with interfaces 2780, which can be air gaps or interfaces where adjacent magnets contact one another. Magnets 2772 can have a quad-pole configuration as described above; for instance, each magnet 2772 can include an inner arcuate region having an axial magnetic orientation in a first direction, an outer arcuate region having an axial magnetic orientation in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a central arcuate region having no distinct magnetic orientation. Although not shown in
In the example shown, accessory device 2700 is a passive device whose function may be protective and/or esthetic. As such, it may be desirable to make accessory device 2700 thin and to provide smooth inner and outer surfaces. In some embodiments, magnets 2772 can have a thin axial dimension so that accessory device 2700 can have smooth surfaces and a desired thinness. Accessory device 2700 can have a variety of shapes and features. For example, accessory device 2700 can be a tray that covers the side and rear surfaces of smart phone 1200, leaving the front (display) surface of smart phone 1200 exposed. Alternatively, accessory device 2700 can include a cover that can be folded over the front surface of smart phone 1200 and unfolded to allow access to the display. As another example, accessory device 2700 can be formed as a sleeve having an opening at one end (e.g., the top end or a side) to allow smart phone 1200 to be inserted into the sleeve when not in use and removed from the sleeve for use.
In the example shown, accessory device 2700 can a passive device that does not contain power-consuming components. Accordingly, the region 2711 inboard of annular alignment component 2770 can be made of the same material as the surrounding housing 2702, providing a continuous back surface for accessory device 2700. Alternatively, part or all of region 2711 may be devoid of material, allowing the corresponding portion of the rear surface of smart phone 1200 to be exposed. In some embodiments, housing 2702 of accessory device 2700 (or portions thereof) can be made of transparent material so that the rear surface of smart phone 1200 (or portions thereof) can be seen through accessory device 2700. In the absence of transparent magnetic material, an annular region of opaque material can be disposed over magnetic alignment component 2770 so that the individual magnets are not visible. The opaque material can have a color (or colors) selected for a desired esthetic effect.
In some embodiments, accessory 2700 can be an active device. For example, accessory 2700 can include an external battery that can provide power to smart phone 1200. Accordingly, central region 2711 can include one or more wireless charging coils, which can be arranged and operated as described above with reference to accessory 2420 of
3.7. Wireless Charging Systems with Magnetic Alignment
Wireless charger device 1300 has a housing 1302 that includes a single-piece enclosure 2806 forming distal and side surfaces of housing 1302 and a top cap 2808 forming a proximal surface of housing 1302. As described above, enclosure 2806 and top cap 2808 can be made of the same material or different materials, and top cap 2808 can be made of a material that is permeable to AC electromagnetic fields and to DC magnetic fields. Transmitter coil assembly 1312 can include an inductive transmitter coil 2816 (which can be made, e.g., of stranded wire wound into a coil) and electromagnetic shielding 2814 (which can include, e.g., a ferrimagnetic shield). Primary arcuate magnet 2826 forms a portion of primary magnetic alignment component 1316 and can include an inner arcuate region 2852 having a magnetic field oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region 2854 having a magnetic field oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a non-magnetized central arcuate region 2856. As described above, a shield 2814 can be disposed on the distal surface of primary magnet 2826. It should be understood that although primary alignment component 1316 is shown in
Accessory device 2700 has a rear housing 2702 that includes a back layer 2805 (forming back surface 2803) and a front layer 2807 that contacts rear housing 2802 of portable electronic device 1200 at a surface 2809. Back layer 2805 and front layer 2807 can be made of the same material or different materials as desired. Auxiliary arcuate magnet 2872 forms a portion of auxiliary alignment component 2770 and can include an inner arcuate section 2874 having a magnetic field oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate section 2876 having a magnetic field oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a non-magnetized central arcuate section 2878. It should be understood that although auxiliary alignment component 2770 is shown in
When aligned, primary magnet 2826, auxiliary magnet 2872, and secondary magnet 2828 produce a closed-loop magnetic flux as shown by lines 2840. Magnetic flux 2840 can attract primary annular alignment component 1318, auxiliary annular alignment component 2770 and secondary annular alignment component 1216 into alignment such that the respective centers of primary annular alignment component 1318, auxiliary annular alignment component 2770, and secondary annular alignment component 1216 are aligned along a common axis. Since transmitter coil 2816 is fixed in a position concentric with primary alignment component 1316 and receiver coil 2810 is fixed in position concentric with secondary alignment component 1218, a result of aligning primary annular alignment component 1318, auxiliary annular alignment component 2770, and secondary annular alignment component 1216 along a common axis is that transmitter coil 2816 and receiver coil 2810 are also aligned along a common axis, thereby enabling efficient wireless power transfer. For instance, transmitter coil 2816 can be driven with an alternating current to generate time-varying magnetic fields that induce a time-varying current in receiver coil 2816. Electromagnetic shielding (e.g., shielding 2814 and 2812) can confine the AC fields to the immediate vicinity of coils 2816 and 2812. Further, in embodiments where accessory device 2700 includes one or more wireless charging coils, such wireless charging coils can also be aligned along a common axis with coils 2816 and 2810.
Some embodiments provide a gap region 2811 between secondary magnet 2828 and coil assembly 1210 that may experience low DC magnetic flux and may also experience low AC electromagnetic fields due to electromagnetic shielding 2812 around coil 2810. Similarly, some embodiments provide a gap region 2813 between primary magnet 2826 and transmitter coil assembly 1312 that may experience low DC magnetic flux and may also experience low AC electromagnetic fields due to electromagnetic shielding 2818 around transmitter coil 2816.
As can be appreciated with reference to
Similarly, each arcuate magnet 2872 of auxiliary alignment component 2770 can have a thin axial dimension so that the overall thickness of accessory device 2700 can be kept small. Back layer 2805 and front layer 2807 can be planar layers. Space between layers 2805 and 2807 that is not occupied by auxiliary alignment magnets 2872 can be an air gap, or portions or all of the space may be filled with material. In some embodiments, surfaces 2803 and 2809 do not evince a local deviation from flatness due to the presence of auxiliary alignment magnets 2872. In some embodiments, accessory device 2700 (or a back housing element thereof) can be formed as a single piece of material with auxiliary alignment component 2770 embedded therein. Auxiliary alignment magnets 2872 and primary alignment magnets 2826 can have the same radial width; in some embodiments, the radial width of auxiliary alignment magnets 2872 and primary alignment magnets 2826 can be slightly larger than the radial width of secondary alignment magnets 2828.
It should be understood that auxiliary alignment component 2770 is optional, and a charge-through accessory that does not have an auxiliary alignment component may be positioned between portable electronic device 1200 and wireless charger device 1300. Depending on the thickness and material composition of the accessory, primary annular alignment component 1316 and secondary annular alignment component 1218 may still experience sufficient attraction to provide reliable alignment between coils 2816 and 2810. However, for DC magnets, the attractive force diminishes sharply with increasing distance between magnets, so the alignment may be less strong. Accordingly, auxiliary alignment component 2770 can be used as a “repeater” that decreases the distance between adjacent magnets and thus increases the magnetic force that urges toward alignment.
Computing system 2941 can also be coupled to a user interface system 2943, a communication system 2944, and a sensor system 2945 for enabling portable electronic device 2904 to perform one or more functions. For instance, user interface system 2943 can include a display, speaker, microphone, actuator for enabling haptic feedback, and one or more input devices such as a button, switch, capacitive screen for enabling the display to be touch sensitive, and the like. Communication system 2944 can include wireless telecommunication components, NFC components, Bluetooth components, and/or Wi-Fi components for enabling portable electronic device 2904 to make phone calls, interact with wireless accessories, and access the Internet. Sensor system 2945 can include light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, magnetometers, and/or any other type of sensor that can measure a parameter of an external entity and/or environment.
All of these electrical components require a power source to operate. Accordingly, portable electronic device 2904 also includes a battery 2946 that can discharge stored energy to power the electrical components of portable electronic device 2904. To replenish the energy discharged to power the electrical components, portable electronic device 2904 includes charging circuitry 2947 and an inductive coil 2910 that can receive power from wireless charger device 2902 coupled to an external power source 2922.
Wireless charger device 2902 can include a transmitter coil 2912 for generating time-varying magnetic flux capable of inducing an electrical current in coil 2910 of portable electronic device 2904. The induced current can be used by charging circuitry 2947 to charge battery 2946. Wireless charger device 2902 can further include a computing system 2921 coupled to a communication system 2922 and wireless charging circuitry 2923. Wireless charging circuitry can include circuit components to convert standard AC power having a first set of voltage and frequency characteristics (e.g., standard AC wall power) to AC power suitable for operating coil 2910. Suitable circuit components, including rectifiers (AC-to-DC converters), boost circuits (DC-to-DC voltage boosting circuits), inverters (DC-to-AC converters), and the like, are known in the art. Computing system 2921 can include logic circuitry (such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, FPGA, or the like) configured to control the operation of wireless charger device 2902, such as to control wireless charging circuitry 2923 to use power received from external power source 2922 to generate time-varying magnetic flux to induce current in coil 2910 to charge portable electronic device 2904. In some embodiments, computing system 2921 can implement functionality confirming to the Qi standard for wireless charging (promulgated by the Wireless Power Consortium).
In some embodiments, components implementing computing system 2921 and wireless charging circuitry 2923 can be disposed within the housing that holds coil 2912 and primary alignment component 2916 (e.g., within puck-shaped housing 1302 of
As described above, accessory device 2906 can be a passive accessory such as protective case for portable electronic device 1002 and need not include any components other than auxiliary alignment component 2970. In some embodiments, accessory device 2906 can be an active device. For instance, accessory device 2906 can include a computing system 2961 coupled to a memory bank 2962 and a communication system 2963. Computing system 2961 can execute instructions stored in memory bank 2962 to perform one or more functions using communication system 2963. In some embodiments, computing system 2961 can be configured to send data from memory bank 2962 through communication system 2963 to portable electronic device 2904 regarding a user interface theme for portable electronic device 2904 so that portable electronic device 2904 can use this data to modify its user interface. As an example, accessory device 2906 can be a protective case that has a picture of a car on it, and memory bank 2962 has information stored for configuring a user interface to include a car theme with car-related icons, animations, and/or sounds. Thus, when accessory device 2906 is installed on portable electronic device 2902, computing system 2941 can receive the car-themed user interface from accessory device 2906 and can modify user interface system 2943 according to the received car-themed data (e.g., changing what is displayed, what sounds are played to signal events, etc.). In some embodiments, accessory device 2906 can also include a wireless charging component 2964 that can aid in wireless charging between portable electronic device 2904 and wireless charger device 2902. For instance, wireless charging component 2964 can include a block of magnetic material that can help guide magnetic flux through accessory device 2906. Or, wireless charging component 2964 can include a pair of inductor coils where one inductor coil positioned proximate to wireless charger device 2902 can receive magnetic flux, which can be relayed to the other inductor coil positioned proximate to portable electronic device 2904 so that the received flux can be retransmitted to portable electronic device 2904. In some embodiments, accessory device 2906 can include a battery (not shown) to store power received from wireless charger device 2902 at a first time for delivery to portable electronic device 2904 at a later time.
While system 2900 is described with reference to particular blocks, it is to be understood that these blocks are defined for convenience of description and are not intended to imply a particular physical arrangement of component parts. The blocks need not correspond to physically distinct components, and the same physical components can be used to implement aspects of multiple blocks. Blocks can be configured to perform various operations, e.g., by programming a processor or providing appropriate control circuitry, and various blocks might or might not be reconfigurable depending on how the initial configuration is obtained. Embodiments of the present invention can be realized in a variety of apparatus including electronic devices that use using any combination of circuitry and software to enable wireless charging operations and/or other operations where physical alignment between devices is desired.
4. Systems with Movable Magnetic Alignment ComponentsIn embodiments described above, it is assumed (though not required) that the magnetic alignment components (including annular magnetic alignment components, and, where applicable, rotational magnetic alignment components) are fixed in position relative to the device housing (or enclosure) and do not move in the axial or lateral direction. This provides a fixed magnetic flux. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move in the axial direction. For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to limit the magnetic flux provided by these magnetic structures. Limiting the magnetic flux can help to prevent the demagnetization of various charge and payment cards that a user might be carrying with an electronic device that incorporates one of these magnetic structures. But in some circumstances, it can be desirable to increase this magnetic flux in order to increase a magnetic attraction between an electronic device and an accessory or a second electronic device. Also, it can be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move laterally. For example, an electronic device and an attachment structure or wireless device can be offset from each other in a lateral direction. The ability of a magnetic alignment component to move laterally can compensate for this offset and improve coupling between devices, particularly where a coil moves with the magnetic alignment component. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide structures where some or all of the magnets in these magnetic structures are able to change positions or otherwise move. Examples of magnetic structures having moving magnets are shown in the following figures.
With this configuration, it can take a large amount of magnetic attraction for magnet 3010 to separate from shield 3020. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention can include a shield that is split into a shield portion and a return plate portion. For example, in
In
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, various housings and structures can be used to guide a moving magnet. Also, various surfaces can be used in conjunction with these moving magnets. These surfaces can be rigid. Alternatively, these surfaces can be compliant and at least somewhat flexible. Examples are shown in the following figures.
In
In
As shown in
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to further increase this sheer force. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide various high friction or high stiction surfaces, suction cups, pins, or other structures to increase this sheer force. Examples are shown in the following figures.
In
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, various structures can be used to constrain movement of magnets in an electronic device. Examples are shown in the following figures.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, although the annular alignment modules are described as being made from arcuate magnets that form sectors, it will be understood that if the magnets are sufficiently small relative to the dimensions of the annular structure, trapezoidal or square magnets can approximate the behavior of arcuate magnets. Magnetic alignment components can have any dimensions, and annular magnetic alignment components can be used with or without rotational alignment. Magnetic alignment components can be used with an inductive charging coil to facilitate alignment of the coils as described above, or a magnetic alignment component can be present in a device that does not have an inductive charging coil. Further, a portable electronic device that has a magnetic alignment component around an inductive charging coil can be charged by a wireless charger device that does not have a magnetic alignment component, and conversely, a wireless charger device that has a magnetic alignment component can be used to charge a portable electronic device that has an inductive charging coil but not a magnetic alignment component. In these situations, the magnetic alignment component may not facilitate alignment between the devices, but it need not interfere with wireless power transfer.
In addition, while a portable electronic device has been described as receiving power wirelessly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that an inductive power coil may be operable to transmit as well as receive power wirelessly, and in some embodiments a portable electronic device can be reconfigurable to operate either as a transmitter or receiver for wireless power transfer.
Further, while it is contemplated that magnetic alignment components of the kind described herein can be used to facilitate alignment between transmitter and receiver coils for wireless power transfer between devices, use of magnetic alignment components is not so limited, and magnetic alignment components can be used in a variety of contexts to hold one device in relative alignment with another, regardless of whether either or both devices have wireless charging coils. Thus, for instance, a tripod (or other type of stand), which can hold a portable electronic device in a particular positon and orientation, can include a primary annular magnetic alignment component (and a rotational alignment component) to hold the portable electronic device in place; the magnetic alignment component can be used in addition to or instead of mechanical retention features to secure the portable electronic device to the tripod.
Accordingly, ecosystems of devices are contemplated. The ecosystem can include a variety of portable electronic devices having various form factors, such as smart phones, tablets, or other devices that can operate on battery power and can receive power via wireless power transfer. The ecosystem can also include a variety of wireless charger devices such as pucks, mats, docks, or the like. The ecosystem can also include “charge-through” accessories (such as cases) that may be interposed between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device; the charge-through accessory is designed to permit magnetic flux to pass through the interposed portion of the accessory to allow wireless charging while the accessory is present. In such an ecosystem, each portable electronic device can be manufactured to include a secondary annular magnetic alignment component (e.g., having a radial or transverse magnetic orientation as described above) having dimensions of radial width and outer diameter that are constant across the ecosystem. Each wireless charger device can be manufactured to include a primary annular magnetic alignment component complementary to the secondary annular magnetic alignment components of the portable electronic devices (e.g., having a quad-pole configuration as described above), allowing wireless charger devices to be used interchangeably with different portable electronic devices. Each charge-through accessory can be manufactured to include an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component complementary to the primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components, again allowing interchangeable use of wireless charger devices with different charge-through accessories (and portable electronic devices).
Such ecosystems can also include other passive accessory devices (i.e., accessory devices that do not include inductive charging coils) that may be designed to attach to a portable electronic device using magnetic alignment components but that do not support charge-through operation. Examples include tripods or other stands, attachable accessory cases that may hold credit cards or other magnetized items that may be susceptible to demagnetization during wireless power transfer, or other accessories that are intended for use with a portable electronic device that is not being charged. Such accessory devices can be manufactured to include either a secondary annular magnetic alignment component or an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component and may or may not include a rotational alignment component.
Such ecosystems can also include a “retrofitting” accessory device that may be used to provide magnetic alignment capability for a portable electronic device that was originally manufactured without a magnetic alignment component. A retrofitting accessory can have one or more mechanical retention features (e.g., sides and lips of a case shaped as a tray) that hold the smart phone (or other portable electronic device) in a fixed relative alignment with the housing of the accessory. The accessory can include a secondary magnetic alignment component (matching the specifications of the secondary alignment component for the ecosystem), and the secondary magnetic alignment component can be positioned in the retrofitting accessory so that when the portable electronic device is held in place by the mechanical retention feature(s), the inductive charging coil is centered within the secondary magnetic alignment component. Such an accessory can allow a portable electronic device that was manufactured without a magnetic alignment component to enjoy the benefits of magnetic alignment when used with devices in the magnetic alignment ecosystem.
It should be understood that, within a given ecosystem, any or all of the devices that include annular alignment components may also include rotational alignment components as described above. For instance, within an ecosystem, all portable electronic devices having a secondary annular alignment component that are large enough to accommodate a rotational alignment component outboard of the secondary annular alignment component can have a rotational alignment component. Devices having a primary alignment component or auxiliary alignment component might or might not have a rotational alignment component, depending on form factor and intended use.
It should also be understood that some devices may include multiple annular alignment components. For instance, a wireless charger device may be designed with two or more separate wireless charging coils spaced apart from each other to allow multiple portable electronic devices to be charged at the same time. Each wireless charging coil can have a surrounding primary annular alignment component, and each primary alignment component can have an associated rotational alignment component.
In some embodiments, an alignment module that includes an annular alignment component can be packaged for easy installation into an accessory device, wireless charger device, or portable electronic device. For example, an alignment module can include a primary, secondary, or auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component as described above in an enclosing structure (or housing) that protects the magnets and holds them in position In some embodiments, a rotational magnetic alignment component can be included along with the annular magnetic alignment component. The enclosing structure can be, for instance, a plastic structure, at least part of which can be transparent. As another example, the alignment module can include a wireless charging coil (e.g., a transmitter coil) centered within the annular alignment component. The enclosing structure can provide exposed electrical contacts for making electrical connections to the wireless charging coil. Such alignment modules can be made by one entity and sold to a different entity to incorporate into devices such as cases, wireless charging docks, or the like.
Various features described herein related to detection of devices and exchange of information can be realized using any combination of dedicated components and/or programmable processors and/or other programmable devices. The various processes described herein can be implemented on the same processor or different processors in any combination. Where components are described as being configured to perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished, e.g., by designing electronic circuits to perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic circuits (such as microprocessors) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof. Further, while the embodiments described above may make reference to specific hardware and software components, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different combinations of hardware and/or software components may also be used and that particular operations described as being implemented in hardware might also be implemented in software or vice versa. Computer programs incorporating various features described herein may be encoded and stored on various computer readable storage media; suitable media include magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or DVD (digital versatile disk), flash memory, and other non-transitory media. Computer readable media encoded with the program code may be packaged with a compatible electronic device, or the program code may be provided separately from electronic devices (e.g., via Internet download or as a separately packaged computer-readable storage medium). Further, in regard to any collection or exchange of information or data by or between devices, it is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.
Embodiments of the invention include but are not limited to any of the following.
In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device) can comprise: a housing having an interface surface; an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the interface surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the interface surface; and an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil. The annular magnetic alignment component can have a magnetic orientation in a radial direction. The annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets, and each of the arcuate magnets can have a magnetic polarity that is oriented in a radially inward (or radially outward) direction. The annular magnetic alignment component can include a gap, and an electrically conductive path connected to the inductive coil can pass through the gap. The annular magnetic alignment component can include a first gap and a second gap on opposite sides of the annular magnetic alignment component. A battery can be disposed within the housing, and the inductive coil can be coupled to the battery. The inductive coil can be configured to receive and/or transmit power wirelessly through the interface surface.
In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger device) can comprise: a housing having a charging surface; an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the charging surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the charging surface; and an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil. The annular magnetic alignment component can comprise: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region. The annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets, and each arcuate magnet can have a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region. The annular magnetic alignment component can include a gap, and an electrically conductive path connected to the inductive coil can pass through the gap. The inductive coil can be configured to transmit and/or receive power wirelessly through the charging surface.
In some embodiments, an accessory for use with a portable electronic device can comprise: a housing having a first interface surface and a second interface surface opposite the first interface surface; an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the first interface surface and the second interface surface. The annular magnetic alignment component can comprise: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region. The annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets. Each arcuate magnet can have a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region. The annular magnetic alignment component can include a gap. The annular magnetic alignment component can include a first gap and a second gap on opposite sides of the annular magnetic alignment component.
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can comprise: a primary alignment component formed of a plurality of primary arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration defining an axis and a secondary alignment component formed of a plurality of secondary arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. Each primary arcuate magnet can comprise: a primary inner arcuate magnetic region having a magnetic orientation in a first direction along the axis; a primary outer arcuate magnetic region having a magnetic orientation in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a non-magnetized primary central arcuate region disposed between the primary inner arcuate region and the primary outer arcuate region. Each secondary arcuate magnet having a magnetic orientation that is in a radial direction with respect to a center of the secondary alignment component. The primary alignment component can be disposed in a first electronic device surrounding a first inductive charging coil, and the secondary alignment component can be disposed in a second electronic device surrounding a second inductive charging coil; when the primary alignment component and the secondary alignment component are aligned along a common axis, the first inductive charging coil and the second inductive charging coil can be also aligned along the common axis.
In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device) can comprise: a housing having an interface surface; an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the interface surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the interface surface; an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil, the annular magnetic alignment component having a magnetic orientation in a radial direction; and a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside an outer perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component. The rotational alignment component can comprises a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations. In these and other embodiments, the magnet can have a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component. For example, the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. As another example, the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation; and a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. In these and other embodiments, the annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets, each having a magnetic polarity that is oriented in a radially inward direction. In these and other embodiments, a battery can be disposed within the housing, and the inductive coil can be coupled to the battery. In these and other embodiments, the inductive coil can be configured to receive and/or transmit power wirelessly through the interface surface.
In some embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., a wireless charger device) can comprise: a housing having a charging surface; an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the charging surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the charging surface; an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil; and a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside a perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component. In these and other embodiments, the annular magnetic alignment component can comprise: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region. In these and other embodiments, the rotational alignment component can comprise a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations. For example, the magnet can have a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component, and the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. As another example, the magnet can have a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component, and the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation; and a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. In these and other embodiments, the annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets. Each arcuate magnet can have a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region. In these and other embodiments, the inductive coil can be configured to transmit power wirelessly through the charging surface.
In some embodiments, an accessory for use with a portable electronic device can comprise: a housing having a first interface surface and a second interface surface opposite the first interface surface; an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the first interface surface and the second interface surface; and a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside a perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component. In these and other embodiments, the annular magnetic alignment component can comprise: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region. In these and other embodiments, the rotational alignment component comprises a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations. For example, the magnet can have a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component, and the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. As another example, the magnet can have a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component, and the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations can include: a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation; and a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation. In these and other embodiments, the annular magnetic alignment component can comprise a plurality of arcuate magnets. Each arcuate magnet can have a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region.
Accordingly, although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising:
- a housing having an interface surface;
- an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the interface surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the interface surface;
- an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil, the annular magnetic alignment component having a magnetic orientation in a radial direction; and
- a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside an outer perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component.
2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the rotational alignment component comprises a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations.
3. The electronic device of claim 2 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
4. The electronic device of claim 2 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation;
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation; and
- a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
5. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the annular magnetic alignment component comprises a plurality of arcuate magnets, each having a magnetic polarity that is oriented in a radially inward direction.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a battery disposed within the housing, wherein the inductive coil is coupled to the battery.
7. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the inductive coil is configured to receive power wirelessly through the interface surface.
8. An electronic device comprising:
- a housing having a charging surface;
- an inductive coil disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the charging surface, the inductive coil being configured to transfer power wirelessly through the charging surface;
- an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing coaxial with and outboard of the inductive coil, the annular magnetic alignment component comprising: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region; and
- a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside a perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component.
9. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the rotational alignment component comprises a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations.
10. The electronic device of claim 9 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
11. The electronic device of claim 9 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation;
- a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
12. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the annular magnetic alignment component comprises a plurality of arcuate magnets.
13. The electronic device of claim 12 wherein each arcuate magnet has a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region.
14. The electronic device of claim 8 wherein the inductive coil is configured to transmit power wirelessly through the charging surface.
15. An accessory for use with a portable electronic device, the accessory comprising:
- a housing having a first interface surface and a second interface surface opposite the first interface surface;
- an annular magnetic alignment component disposed within the housing and having an axis normal to the first interface surface and the second interface surface, the annular magnetic alignment component comprising: an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction; an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction; and a non-magnetized central arcuate region disposed between the inner arcuate region and the outer arcuate region; and
- a rotational alignment component comprising a magnet disposed outside a perimeter of the annular magnetic alignment component.
16. The accessory of claim 15 wherein the rotational alignment component comprises a magnet having at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations.
17. The accessory of claim 16 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation; and
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
18. The accessory of claim 16 wherein the magnet has a rectangular shape in a plane transverse to an axis defined by the annular magnetic alignment component and wherein the at least two different regions of opposing magnetic orientations include:
- a first region extending along a first long side of the rectangular shape and having a first magnetic orientation;
- a second region extending along a second long side of the rectangular shape and having the first magnetic orientation; and
- a third region extending along the rectangular shape and positioned midway between the first region and the second region, the third region having a second magnetic orientation opposite the first magnetic orientation.
19. The accessory of claim 15 wherein the annular magnetic alignment component comprises a plurality of arcuate magnets.
20. The accessory of claim 19 wherein each arcuate magnet has a first region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the first axial direction, a second region with a magnetic polarity oriented in the second axial direction, and a non-magnetized region between the first region and the second region.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 22, 2020
Publication Date: Apr 1, 2021
Patent Grant number: 11710989
Applicant: Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Inventors: Paul J. Thompson (Mountain View, CA), Karl Ruben F. Larsson (Los Altos, CA), Aaron A. Oro (Palo Alto, CA), Timothy J. Rasmussen (San Jose, CA), Christopher S. Graham (San Francisco, CA), Eric S. Jol (San Jose, CA), Demetrios B. Karanikos (San Francisco, CA), Miranda L. Daly (Mountain View, CA)
Application Number: 17/028,275
